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spousea husband or wife, considered in relation to their married partner

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: a husband or wife, considered in relation to their married partner

Pronunciation (IPA): /spaʊs/

Example Sentences

  • My spouse thinks pineapple on pizza is a crime against humanity.
  • Both spouses must sign the tax return.
  • Finding a spouse who laughs at your terrible jokes is true love.

spouse

NOUN

[/spaʊs/]

a husband or wife, considered in relation to their married partner

She held her spouse's hand tightly as they exchanged rings at the altar.
💡 Concept

She held her spouse's hand tightly as they exchanged rings at the altar.

A spouse, a house, and a tiny mouse!
🎵 Rhyme

A spouse, a house, and a tiny mouse!

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/spaʊs/
🇬🇧 UK/spaʊs/

🌳Etymology

Rootspons

Origin

The word spouse derives from Middle French 'espous', which came from Latin 'sponsus', meaning 'betrothed person' or 'one who has promised'. The term reflects the concept of marriage as a mutual commitment or promise between two individuals.

Breakdown

Latin 'sponsus' (betrothed, promised) → Middle French 'espous' → English 'spouse'. The Latin root relates to 'spondere' (to promise or pledge).

🎵Rhyme

housemousegrouse
house
mouse
grouse

🔗Collocations

surviving spouse
spouse benefits
former spouse
spouse visa
meet one's spouse
military spouse

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

My spouse thinks pineapple on pizza is a crime against humanity.

Both spouses must sign the tax return.

😄 Fun example

Finding a spouse who laughs at your terrible jokes is true love.

The company offers health insurance for employees and their spouses.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

partnerhusbandwifemateconsort

Antonyms

bachelorsingle

Related

marriageweddingfamilyrelationshipmatrimony

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